Reducing the odds of a collision by knowing the hazards you face
No one ever starts the day expecting to be involved in a motor vehicle accident, but in some cases, you might have little say in the matter. Even if you consider yourself the most cautious of drivers, you probably share South Carolina roads with a multitude of others, some of whom might not share your zest for safety.
In some cases, even a safe driver may slip up and make a mistake, and the consequences of even a small error can be disastrous. To reduce the chances that you will end up in a dangerous collision, it might be in your best interests to better understand the scenarios in which accidents frequently occur.
Commonly hazardous driving scenarios
A car accident can take place at any moment and under a multitude of circumstances, and each accident runs the unfortunate chance of placing your safety at risk. However, certain scenarios tend to be more hazardous than others, such as:
- Failure to stop or yield: Far too many accidents take place at intersections when drivers fail to come to a complete stop before making a turn, and the infamous rolling stop can be a dangerous maneuver.
- Succumbing to fatigue: Whether from a long work shift, or extended period of driving, if you begin to feel fatigue setting in as you travel, it is likely in your best interests to pull over and rest.
- Aggressive behavior: Loss of control of a vehicle is another common cause of collisions and is often the result of speeding or reckless driving.
- Visibility as an issue: If another vehicle or object is obscuring your visibility, it might be advisable to proceed with caution before making a turn, as you might be unaware of what awaits you on the other side.
Another common cause of collisions pertains to driver distraction, and even a moment of inattention can leave you traveling hundreds of feet in an unknown direction.
When disaster strikes
Motor vehicle accidents can have cataclysmic consequences, and if another driver’s negligent actions leave you with serious injuries, you might be wondering about the next steps to take. Following your crash, you could choose to speak with someone with experience in the area for guidance on the legal avenues available to you. Seeking advice early on could help better prepare you to pursue the full amount of compensation you deserve through a personal injury lawsuit against the party deemed at fault.